but really who doesn't love presents??!!????
THANK YOU On It Pro for the wonderful package! Lookin forward to using it all!
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Jan 28, 2013
A present in the mail!
I LOVE presents...
but really who doesn't love presents??!!????
THANK YOU On It Pro for the wonderful package! Lookin forward to using it all!
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
but really who doesn't love presents??!!????
THANK YOU On It Pro for the wonderful package! Lookin forward to using it all!
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Jan 27, 2013
The Bike Commute
Someone recently asked me if I like bike commuting? ....
it took me a couple more long, wet, and cold bike commutes to really answer this question...
I LOVE bike commuting (99% of the time)
Although I seem to never get anywhere looking "good", I always have to bring three changes of clothes everywhere I go, I walk in with arm fulls of bags, helmets etc, it takes me 3 times as long to get anywhere (although sometimes in the city it is faster to commute by bike), I am constantly tired and training is that much harder,.....
there is just something great about the feeling of getting somewhere by my own steam.
there is just this special moment when on the bike that its just about me and my thoughts (and sometimes cars whizzing by)
there is something about the breeze, the air, the sweat, the grit that I just love.
there is something about the outdoor time to get psyched for what I am heading into and then reflecting about it on the way home.
My current bike commutes to work are 40mins up and east and just over 1 hour going up and west. Luckily the ups mean that they are downs after a full days of work which is always nice... Those ups though before 7am cab be tough but I truly do love the feeling of my flushed face, sweatiness, and satisfaction afterwards and it does mean I am awake once at work;)
Bike commuting also provides me with hidden amounts of exercising and training. I never used to "count" bike commuting into my exercise or training regime as it was something I had to do and did not choose to do. There are days when at night I sit and reflect and realize I did 3.5 hours of bike commuting that day. It sounds like a lot especially if you tag on my work (outdoor ed), and my training (crossfit or yoga or paddle or run or mtn bike, etc etc)... But it never feels like 3.5 hours... to me it is less frustrating then the bus (I hate waiting for the bus), less frustrating then driving (if you know me you know that I really hate driving), and really minus the little annoyance of bringing extra clothes, getting wet and cold, and never really lookin good arriving to events, it is sooooo worth it because nothing beats the feeling of self propelled outdoor adventures.
I have had soo many wonderful moments on the bike, bike commuting, I've met some great people and of course some jerks,... but thats life:) I do a lot of my best thinking on the bike and sometimes I am just floating in my head kind of like corpse pose in yoga (don't worry all still being aware that I am riding my bike on the road;)) I feel like it is great for my mental well being.
So all in all despite the minor frustrations I am glad I am a bike commuter and I wouldn't change it even if I had too...
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
it took me a couple more long, wet, and cold bike commutes to really answer this question...
I LOVE bike commuting (99% of the time)
Although I seem to never get anywhere looking "good", I always have to bring three changes of clothes everywhere I go, I walk in with arm fulls of bags, helmets etc, it takes me 3 times as long to get anywhere (although sometimes in the city it is faster to commute by bike), I am constantly tired and training is that much harder,.....
there is just something great about the feeling of getting somewhere by my own steam.
there is just this special moment when on the bike that its just about me and my thoughts (and sometimes cars whizzing by)
there is something about the breeze, the air, the sweat, the grit that I just love.
there is something about the outdoor time to get psyched for what I am heading into and then reflecting about it on the way home.
My current bike commutes to work are 40mins up and east and just over 1 hour going up and west. Luckily the ups mean that they are downs after a full days of work which is always nice... Those ups though before 7am cab be tough but I truly do love the feeling of my flushed face, sweatiness, and satisfaction afterwards and it does mean I am awake once at work;)
Bike commuting also provides me with hidden amounts of exercising and training. I never used to "count" bike commuting into my exercise or training regime as it was something I had to do and did not choose to do. There are days when at night I sit and reflect and realize I did 3.5 hours of bike commuting that day. It sounds like a lot especially if you tag on my work (outdoor ed), and my training (crossfit or yoga or paddle or run or mtn bike, etc etc)... But it never feels like 3.5 hours... to me it is less frustrating then the bus (I hate waiting for the bus), less frustrating then driving (if you know me you know that I really hate driving), and really minus the little annoyance of bringing extra clothes, getting wet and cold, and never really lookin good arriving to events, it is sooooo worth it because nothing beats the feeling of self propelled outdoor adventures.
I have had soo many wonderful moments on the bike, bike commuting, I've met some great people and of course some jerks,... but thats life:) I do a lot of my best thinking on the bike and sometimes I am just floating in my head kind of like corpse pose in yoga (don't worry all still being aware that I am riding my bike on the road;)) I feel like it is great for my mental well being.
So all in all despite the minor frustrations I am glad I am a bike commuter and I wouldn't change it even if I had too...
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Jan 16, 2013
2013, the new year has already brought along many new gifts...
These last few weeks I have been the busiest I have been in a long long time... I think its good for me.. I seem to be getting more done, feeling strong, learning lots, and so far enjoying it all:)
After a 3 week break from paddling I managed to get on the water twice in a row on the weekend. I felt good and strong on the water and really enjoyed being out paddling again. It did help that the sun was shinning... I think it was a good mental and physical break for me. Because of my random schedule and unusual board, transport situation I rarely find it easy to get out with other people and therefore find myself paddling on my own most of the time. It is okay, but can get tough to motivate myself at times and sometimes the similar routine gets a little tiring... the little hiatus brought along a fresh SUP spark, and although I do hope to get out with others, I am happy to also paddle on my own and push myself hard to achieve my goals for this year... I do look forward to sorting out getting a board near the water so I can paddle a hard board more often than an inflatable. I do have to say though I am lovin the 12'6 x 30 Starboard inflatable. Enjoying a sport like SUP without the use of a car and being able to store a board in a tiny studio apartment is fabulous and opens up many doors to many more people, especially those without cars or large garages...
I have two wonderful jobs that I am enjoying and I am looking forward to learning more about, and getting involved as much as I can despite everything else in my life. Basically, I get to play in the outdoors and inspire youth and sometimes other adults... Although both are beautiful jobs and really I have nothing to complain about,.... they are very physical and although I do feel really strong right now, I have to make sure I take good care of this little body of mine on and off the jobs... it has big goals for 2013!
The new year has also brought along some new communities of awesomeness... I am really looking forward to being a part of the OnItPro team, as well as Laiph clothing, and Werner Paddles, I am also soooo excited to continue to be a part of team Trident Sports/Starboard, Nikki Rekman sales/kokatat/werner, and Ryders Eyewear. There may even be more amazing news coming in this department!
I've been hitting up Crossfit Vancouver a lot more which is making me feel strong along with the bike commuting. I have also added swimming and interval running on the treadmill back into my routine. I am hoping I can keep those in the schedule, as they are fun, rewarding and painful in a good way:)
Of course its winter so I have luckily been out backcountry skiing a ton and loving it. I think its one of the best workouts and offers amazing views and peacefulness. I love it as a cross trainer and just as a fun day in the outdoors. I have been snowshoeing a ton, mostly as default as it is one of my two jobs this winter and its a great workout too.. I have been trying to get in a little snowshoe run in before shifts... you know keep the blood flowing... I have not yet gotten out for a skate ski but am hoping I will get out doing that at least a couple of times this winter.. another lovely cross training activity that involves the entire body and is a killer workout while being beautiful and fun!!!!!!
Somehow, I still manage to see some friends and Andrew:) I think I definitely thrive on having a crazy schedule...
to keeping it just a little bit nutty...
live, love,laugh,..DREAM!
lina
After a 3 week break from paddling I managed to get on the water twice in a row on the weekend. I felt good and strong on the water and really enjoyed being out paddling again. It did help that the sun was shinning... I think it was a good mental and physical break for me. Because of my random schedule and unusual board, transport situation I rarely find it easy to get out with other people and therefore find myself paddling on my own most of the time. It is okay, but can get tough to motivate myself at times and sometimes the similar routine gets a little tiring... the little hiatus brought along a fresh SUP spark, and although I do hope to get out with others, I am happy to also paddle on my own and push myself hard to achieve my goals for this year... I do look forward to sorting out getting a board near the water so I can paddle a hard board more often than an inflatable. I do have to say though I am lovin the 12'6 x 30 Starboard inflatable. Enjoying a sport like SUP without the use of a car and being able to store a board in a tiny studio apartment is fabulous and opens up many doors to many more people, especially those without cars or large garages...
I have two wonderful jobs that I am enjoying and I am looking forward to learning more about, and getting involved as much as I can despite everything else in my life. Basically, I get to play in the outdoors and inspire youth and sometimes other adults... Although both are beautiful jobs and really I have nothing to complain about,.... they are very physical and although I do feel really strong right now, I have to make sure I take good care of this little body of mine on and off the jobs... it has big goals for 2013!
The new year has also brought along some new communities of awesomeness... I am really looking forward to being a part of the OnItPro team, as well as Laiph clothing, and Werner Paddles, I am also soooo excited to continue to be a part of team Trident Sports/Starboard, Nikki Rekman sales/kokatat/werner, and Ryders Eyewear. There may even be more amazing news coming in this department!
I've been hitting up Crossfit Vancouver a lot more which is making me feel strong along with the bike commuting. I have also added swimming and interval running on the treadmill back into my routine. I am hoping I can keep those in the schedule, as they are fun, rewarding and painful in a good way:)
Of course its winter so I have luckily been out backcountry skiing a ton and loving it. I think its one of the best workouts and offers amazing views and peacefulness. I love it as a cross trainer and just as a fun day in the outdoors. I have been snowshoeing a ton, mostly as default as it is one of my two jobs this winter and its a great workout too.. I have been trying to get in a little snowshoe run in before shifts... you know keep the blood flowing... I have not yet gotten out for a skate ski but am hoping I will get out doing that at least a couple of times this winter.. another lovely cross training activity that involves the entire body and is a killer workout while being beautiful and fun!!!!!!
Somehow, I still manage to see some friends and Andrew:) I think I definitely thrive on having a crazy schedule...
to keeping it just a little bit nutty...
live, love,laugh,..DREAM!
lina
Jan 2, 2013
A break from the ocean: playing in the backcountry...
 |
| Pillow droppin' at Joffre Shoulder photo: Paul Palfreyman |
Since my return from Mexico I have spent most of my time playing in the snow... mostly by choice but sometimes not:)
I figured it is good to take breaks from things to refresh the mind, body, and soul. I have decided that January is my break from specific SUP training. This does not mean I will sit on the couch and stuff my face with chocolates BUT it does mean I am going to ensure I do things just because they are super fun to do and I really want to do them. Although I really love SUPin, I do feel that sometimes, because I race, I need to train and when the NEED outweighs the DESIRE by too much, I know its time for something a little different to ensure I always WANT to push hard and paddle.
I am going to enjoy all the awesomeness that winter in the pacific northwest has to offer. I am hopefully going to ski tour/snowshoe/nordic ski to my hearts content. It is a good mental, physical, and social break that I know I need. Not to mention I think ski touring is one of the best workouts in the world... not only is it tough physically and mentally, but it is INSANELY BEAUTIFUL! I find such a wonderful sense of freedom while ski touring in the mountains... Its tough to put on paper but its a combination of solitude from crowds, crisp air, the quietness of the winter, the self propelled satisfaction, and of course the sweet powder turns....
 |
| Couloir on Joffre Shoulder |
 |
| Whistler Yurt |
This past week has been wonderful. Minus getting a sinus infection for Christmas, the christmas cheer was in full force: filled with lots of friends, delicious grub, and winter goodness. We spent 3 days skiing off the Duffey Lake Road (Cayoosh area, Joffre Shoulder, and Rhor ridge), we stayed in the cutest Yurts at Riverside Campground, and ate great yummy leftovers. We then headed south to Mt Baker where we enjoyed two more glorious ski touring days. The sun was out in full force, and unfortunately so were the crowds... but we managed to head a little farther and escaped the crowds and found some fresh pow just for us. We also explored two new areas that we had never ski toured before... always love the adventurous exploration routes. It was another fabulous adventure that could not have been as good without all the amazing people that were there and of course the scrumptious food. I am super thankful for such amazing friends, a loving husband, and a beautiful city with amazing outdoor opportunities.
 |
| Andrew, Lina, SJ, Mt SHuksan in background photo: Tom Furst |
I can't believe it is already 2013! It is gonna be an unbelievable year.... I have a ton planned from jobs, to expeditions, to racing and much more! I can't wait!
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Dec 24, 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS/HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!
WOW, 2012... what a year.
It started in China where we continued to work/travel/take in all that the Chinese culture had to offer. After a year working in China we returned to Canada in July and had an awesome homecoming in Whistler for a Canada Day mountain biking extravaganza (in the rain). It was amazing to be back with friends, on bikes, and in BC.
As we were still renting our apparent until the end of August, we kept moving and landed ourselves in Ontario visiting the Augaitis gang. While enjoying family time, a stand-up-paddleboard race, and the Augaitis cottage, we managed to sneak in an awesome five day back-country canoe/SUP adventure in Algonquin Park. We still had some time to kill before moving back into Vancouver life, so at the end of July we packed the car (which miraculously survived a year languishing in the parking garage) and headed south on a road trip with mountain bikes and SUPs. We rolled through WA and OR with stops to check out some trails along the way toward out target of Stanley Idaho. We spent a week in Idaho and just loved everything about Stanley and surrounding areas. The scenery, the people, the weather, the lakes, the rivers, and most of all the trails. Fast, smooth, long, alpine style mountain bike trails. On the "way home" we ended up in Moab, Utah in the unbelievably hot off-season. There was still great biking to be had, but only in the early hours of the morning. A few brief detours in California and Oregon on the way home (really this time) saw us back in Vancouver and moving back into our place.
It started in China where we continued to work/travel/take in all that the Chinese culture had to offer. After a year working in China we returned to Canada in July and had an awesome homecoming in Whistler for a Canada Day mountain biking extravaganza (in the rain). It was amazing to be back with friends, on bikes, and in BC.
As we were still renting our apparent until the end of August, we kept moving and landed ourselves in Ontario visiting the Augaitis gang. While enjoying family time, a stand-up-paddleboard race, and the Augaitis cottage, we managed to sneak in an awesome five day back-country canoe/SUP adventure in Algonquin Park. We still had some time to kill before moving back into Vancouver life, so at the end of July we packed the car (which miraculously survived a year languishing in the parking garage) and headed south on a road trip with mountain bikes and SUPs. We rolled through WA and OR with stops to check out some trails along the way toward out target of Stanley Idaho. We spent a week in Idaho and just loved everything about Stanley and surrounding areas. The scenery, the people, the weather, the lakes, the rivers, and most of all the trails. Fast, smooth, long, alpine style mountain bike trails. On the "way home" we ended up in Moab, Utah in the unbelievably hot off-season. There was still great biking to be had, but only in the early hours of the morning. A few brief detours in California and Oregon on the way home (really this time) saw us back in Vancouver and moving back into our place.
As our stuff was all in storage we took the opportunity to tear the place apart and make use of the ideas that have been rattling around in Andrew's head for the four years since he moved in. We're really pleased with the results and are enjoying having a bit more space to move around (and Andrew's enjoying his workshop). Lina has had the chance to travel to Mexico (twice!) since we've been back to paddle and race SUP and enjoy the beach lifestyle. Paddling back in Vancouver is a little less warm, but still possible even if you don't drive standard and your car is a standard...
Something we missed in China was a real winter. Some may argue that Vancouver doesn't have a real Canadian winter (and they'd probably win that argument), but a couple of hours up the road we can find all the snow you could possible want for a day exploring the mountains on skis, which has again brought us back together with all our outdoorsy friends and should keep us entertained until the spring comes and the trails start to dry out.
Our best wishes for 2012, whatever it brings you. May your trail be dry and your snow be crisp.
Lina and Andrew
live, love, laugh,....DREAM!
Dec 12, 2012
MEXICO with Pacific Paddle Surf
What a grand time so far.... I will write a proper trip report when I return home... but some quick updates
Pacific Paddle Surf Crocodile Classic Race: really fun and a total success! Sprint, distance, and short courses... beginners and some of Mexico's Team SUP paddlers!
Daily dose of happiness includes:
beach running every morning followed by ocean swimming followed by paddlefit..... some chill time,... surfing,.... all with amazing people, delicious food, and a beautiful SUN!!!!!
check this out:
Paddlefit classes in Mexico HERE!
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Pacific Paddle Surf Crocodile Classic Race: really fun and a total success! Sprint, distance, and short courses... beginners and some of Mexico's Team SUP paddlers!
Daily dose of happiness includes:
beach running every morning followed by ocean swimming followed by paddlefit..... some chill time,... surfing,.... all with amazing people, delicious food, and a beautiful SUN!!!!!
check this out:
Paddlefit classes in Mexico HERE!
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Dec 3, 2012
Can't drive the car, can't get the board through the door....
BUT I want to be a stand up paddler?!?
I did not pick the greatest sport for lack of car and small living space arrangements.... but I like the sport and want to paddle.
Creativity, will, determination, desire, and mental prowess are all things that are helping me solve my great dilemma of getting out on the water and of course.... friends and sponsors!
It is impossible to store a hard board in our little amazing loft condo. It can't get through the sharp corner to fit through the door and if it could I don't think I'd want to keep trying.... damage on both ends would ensue for sure.
I know I should just suck it up and learn how to drive a stick shift car but ... I really really don't like it, the stress I think would kill me.... since it is currently our only vehicle I am very often sans vehicle...
I stopped by Trident Performance Sport to see if I could demo the new 2013 Starboard Inflatable Astro Touring board (12'6" x 30"). I first tried to strap the board on my rear rack of my bike.... it was a little unstable but doable.... but a little too labour intensive and not that reliable...
Then, I decided to just put the pack on my back and cycle that way to the water. My cycle time to the closest legal paddling water is about 20 minutes (with the board on my back). It is about 30 pounds I think... I have a 3 piece Werner nitro paddle that I stick in the bag along with the pump, leash, inflatable pfd and whatever extra clothes I need. I lock up the bike with my helmet walk down to the dock and pump up the board.... I need to carry everything with me on the board which is a little inconvenient but unfortunately living in a big city I just don't trust that anything that I leave behind no matter how well stashed will still be there when I return from a paddle. So I carry the pump, bag, and whatever else extra I brought with me. Luckily the Astro Touring comes with bungee system that is simple and convenient... I then head off to paddle,... I know I should be training on my race board without stuff on the board and not with a three piece paddle but my racing Werner grand prix paddle... but sometimes you can't have it all... right? At least I get to paddle! AND for an inflatable board, the Astro touring board is pretty nice to paddle on flat water... the shape and dimensions create a more race feel than other inflatable boards. I still feel quite stable so am not worried of falling into the very cold water but also there is not so much stability that I feel like I am not moving forward at all.... I give the Starboard 12'6"x30" astro touring board thumbs up. I hope to do some actually touring on it in the near future...I know I will want more bungees in order to carry more gear for a longer day or days....
Upon my return from my paddle, I deflate, pack everything back into the bag, put it back on my back, unlock bike and ride home. For me, I know I need to add approx one hour total to my paddle workout for traveling and pumping/organizing needs....
The 20minute bike ride is about max for me until it gets really quite uncomfortable having a huge heavy bag on my back while cycling... so Andrew, my amazing hubby found me a cheap Wike trailer. I use bungee to strap the board onto the platform. It is best used without the bag for less bulk and also it means one less thing to carry on the board with me while paddling.
It takes a little longer to set up and take down before and after my paddle BUT is way nicer to ride with... so for longer commutes to a paddling destination that is a little further away I will definitely take the little trailer...
I am excited that I figured out a way to still paddle even without a car and a place to store a hard board. I know it is not ideal and I am working on trying to get a hard board near water so I can bike to it and paddle from there.... and here is to hoping something works out.
If I want to pursue my goals for 2013 I do need to sort out the ability to actually get on the water and paddle!
I am sure it will all come together.... I just need to be a little more creative, a little more determined and maybe endure a little bit more than most to get myself and a board on the water. At times it is tough, especially doing it all alone... but I guess that is that internal motivation/drive in me....
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
 |
| Parking the load |
I did not pick the greatest sport for lack of car and small living space arrangements.... but I like the sport and want to paddle.
Creativity, will, determination, desire, and mental prowess are all things that are helping me solve my great dilemma of getting out on the water and of course.... friends and sponsors!
It is impossible to store a hard board in our little amazing loft condo. It can't get through the sharp corner to fit through the door and if it could I don't think I'd want to keep trying.... damage on both ends would ensue for sure.
I know I should just suck it up and learn how to drive a stick shift car but ... I really really don't like it, the stress I think would kill me.... since it is currently our only vehicle I am very often sans vehicle...
I stopped by Trident Performance Sport to see if I could demo the new 2013 Starboard Inflatable Astro Touring board (12'6" x 30"). I first tried to strap the board on my rear rack of my bike.... it was a little unstable but doable.... but a little too labour intensive and not that reliable...
Then, I decided to just put the pack on my back and cycle that way to the water. My cycle time to the closest legal paddling water is about 20 minutes (with the board on my back). It is about 30 pounds I think... I have a 3 piece Werner nitro paddle that I stick in the bag along with the pump, leash, inflatable pfd and whatever extra clothes I need. I lock up the bike with my helmet walk down to the dock and pump up the board.... I need to carry everything with me on the board which is a little inconvenient but unfortunately living in a big city I just don't trust that anything that I leave behind no matter how well stashed will still be there when I return from a paddle. So I carry the pump, bag, and whatever else extra I brought with me. Luckily the Astro Touring comes with bungee system that is simple and convenient... I then head off to paddle,... I know I should be training on my race board without stuff on the board and not with a three piece paddle but my racing Werner grand prix paddle... but sometimes you can't have it all... right? At least I get to paddle! AND for an inflatable board, the Astro touring board is pretty nice to paddle on flat water... the shape and dimensions create a more race feel than other inflatable boards. I still feel quite stable so am not worried of falling into the very cold water but also there is not so much stability that I feel like I am not moving forward at all.... I give the Starboard 12'6"x30" astro touring board thumbs up. I hope to do some actually touring on it in the near future...I know I will want more bungees in order to carry more gear for a longer day or days....
Upon my return from my paddle, I deflate, pack everything back into the bag, put it back on my back, unlock bike and ride home. For me, I know I need to add approx one hour total to my paddle workout for traveling and pumping/organizing needs....
The 20minute bike ride is about max for me until it gets really quite uncomfortable having a huge heavy bag on my back while cycling... so Andrew, my amazing hubby found me a cheap Wike trailer. I use bungee to strap the board onto the platform. It is best used without the bag for less bulk and also it means one less thing to carry on the board with me while paddling.
It takes a little longer to set up and take down before and after my paddle BUT is way nicer to ride with... so for longer commutes to a paddling destination that is a little further away I will definitely take the little trailer...
I am excited that I figured out a way to still paddle even without a car and a place to store a hard board. I know it is not ideal and I am working on trying to get a hard board near water so I can bike to it and paddle from there.... and here is to hoping something works out.
If I want to pursue my goals for 2013 I do need to sort out the ability to actually get on the water and paddle!
 |
| Heading back to False Creek |
I am sure it will all come together.... I just need to be a little more creative, a little more determined and maybe endure a little bit more than most to get myself and a board on the water. At times it is tough, especially doing it all alone... but I guess that is that internal motivation/drive in me....
live, love, laugh,...DREAM!
lina
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)